May 14

Mark 12:35-44 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

vv.38-44
And in his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

Observation

This is a great scene of Jesus' teaching while capturing his teaching at work. As Jesus wraps up his rebuke upon the scribes of their pride and hypocrisy, we right away witness this poor widow place two small copper coins into the offering box. One thing I do not know is what prompted the window's giving? Was she challenged by Jesus' teaching? Or did she contribute all that she had in faith? Whether she was challenged or acted upon faith or maybe both, this is a great reminder to the power of giving faithfully regardless of the situation. The term "less is more" come to mind when I think about this scene. For Jesus, he recognized the widow's giving for her "less" was given with complete faith and obedience. And Jesus saw right through her heart in her giving. Thus, it spoke "more" in Jesus' eye for the widow gave in simple obedience which the scribes seemed to have lacked.

Application

I want to think that Jesus had compassion upon the widow because she was poor. But what I am realizing is that the widow was obedient. Even in the direst situation of life, Jesus recognized her simple obedience. I feel a lack in such obedience in my own life. Because what's simple I make it difficult and complex. Jesus asks for simple obedience and yet I want to make it as difficult as possible so that I end up justifying why I cannot give, why I cannot forgive, why I cannot pray, and why I cannot be a witness...

Prayer

Father, your love is great. Your commandments are true. And You love it when Your children obey. May I learn to be faithful and obedient in all these and not be so selective in only receiving and giving on the ones that I want. Forgive me Lord for simple obedience doesn't come as easy as it should at times. Help me to understand Your heart even deeper each day as I strive to live for you...

--calebskim